KIA participate in political meeting between government ,UNFC and leader of the 88 Generation Students Group-video

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) will participate in a political meeting scheduled for this year between the government and United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a leader of the 88 Generation Students Group said.

Mya Aye, one of the leaders of the pro-democracy student group, disclosed the information at a press briefing held in Yangon on January 10, after his group’s study tour of northern Kachin State from January 3 to 5.

KIA said it would take part in talks during the meeting between KIA Major General Gwan Maw and the 88 Generation Group last week, according to Mya Aye.

“KIA clearly stated that it would attend the meeting between the Myanmar government and UNFC even if a political dialogue is not possible now as the war escalates,” Mya Aye said.

KIA still sticks to the policy of political dialogue and is willing to hold talks only if the government reduces its offensive and guarantees political engagement, he added.

The government has offered to hold preliminary talks beginning in mid-January as part of the peace-making efforts together with UNFC, said Min Zaw Oo, director of Myanmar Peace Centre in Yangon, on January 6.

Armed clashes between the Myanmar army and KIA resumed in June 2011, ending a 17-year ceasefire agreement between two sides. About 2,400 small and large skirmishes had occurred up to December.